Imagine the classic look and feel of the Wild West mixed with the style and sophistication of a luxury resort. Surrounded by stunning red rocks, reflecting ponds, and panoramic views, the Red Reflet Ranch checks all of those boxes! Whether it’s a getaway for two or the entire family, you’ll never tire of the all-inclusive outdoor activities, lavish meals, and breathtaking sunsets. Read on to learn why those who truly want to experience a dude ranch vacation in style should look no further than the Red Reflet Ranch!
Disclosure: The writer was hosted by Red Reflet Guest Ranch for the purposes of writing this review. All opinions are her own.
Wyoming’s Red Reflet Dude Ranch: Exploring the Wild West in Style
The Wild West was calling my name ever since I saw an episode of Bonanza, an American western television series, when I was growing up in Poland. The images of the pristine wilderness and wide-open roads made me want to quit it all and follow my dream. I eventually moved to the United States.
Since then, I explored a lot of the West but never truly experienced a dude ranch vacation. After years of living in the East and early retirement, I decided that it was time to check it of my list. Before I made any concrete plans, I got an opportunity to visit the Red Reflet Ranch. I can’t imagine a better place to fulfill my dream.
Red Reflet Family Friendly Dude Ranch
Red Reflet was designed in every detail to create one of a kind Wild West luxury vacation for families. The chalets and top-notch dining experience will meet the parent’s expectation, while a variety of unlimited activities will satisfy every family member and create memories of a lifetime. Red Reflet is an authentic working cattle ranch that kids all ages will appreciate. The ranch can accommodate 20 guests, so it is also a good place for multigenerational getaways.
Read More: Why You Should Visit Cody Wyoming, a Real Cowboy Town.
Red Reflet Guest Ranch: Where Did the Name Come From?
Reflet is a French word for a reflection. Why a French word in a Wyoming dude ranch’s name? The owner, Laurence, was born in Marrocco to a French family. Her husband, Bob, came up with the idea of including her language in a project they created together – turning their land into the best dude ranch in Wyoming, and beyond! The red part of the name is easy to guess. The mountains around burst with red, especially at sunset, reflecting in ponds below and in multiple windows at the main lodge and guest chalets.
How to Get to Red Reflet Dude Ranch
Both owners are pilots, so the ranch has its own airport! You can fly in, if you happen to have a plane. For the rest of us, the best way is to drive your own car or fly to Denver and rent one. The trip from Denver takes about 5 hours, if you do not stop to take in the beautiful scenery along the way.
At the town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming you will turn into a gravel road and be greeted by friendly cows and vast open spaces. This is when you will start feeling that your dream of dude ranch vacation is actually happening. Once you reach the ranch, will be welcomed by the red rocks scenery straight from western movies. The directions are easy, but to help navigate the area, download offline Google maps.
Check-in
The process of checking-in came with an excitement I did not expect. We had a choice of two ATVs or a Side by Side for the duration of our stay. I was perfectly happy with leaving the driving to my partner, so we opted for Side by Side. The whole check-in experience felt more like visiting friends than a formal check-in.
Accommodation at Red Reflet Ranch
High standard of accommodation is certainly contributing to the top ranking of Red Reflet Ranch. World Property Journal listed it as the #1 western ranch in America. TripAdvisor also consistently ranks the property with 5 stars. The visitors’ reviews there are superlative.
The Panorama Chalet
The first look at The Panorama Chalet, just for the two of us, made me speechless. Sitting on the top of the mountain, it delivers 270 degrees of views that could be enjoyed from the wrap-around deck and a huge hot tub. If there was nothing else at the ranch, I would be happy just sitting there and taking it all in. Both sunset and sunrise from there spectacular.
Great Room
The great room area, with high ceilings and huge windows, brings all the views in. The decor and the furniture deliver quality, comfort, and style. No details were missed here. Two gathering areas with tables and chairs will work well for larger families.
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom has large windows an skylights, but also a huge door that, if left open, lets in all the views from the great room. The king-size bed is very comfortable. I also liked the bright colors of the sheets. I am sure, a cozy fireplace comes handy during colder months. The master bathroom has two separate large showers including a steam shower.
Second Bedroom
Since only two of us were staying at the chalet, I used a second bedroom as my closet. The room has one queen bed and a set of bunk beds. It also has a full bath with a tub, which I declared mine.
Staying connected
Because of the rather remote location, a cellular service at the property is very spotty but free Wi-Fi is available and it works well. I was able to share my pictures and videos from the trip daily.
There are three other chalets available at Red Reflet for those seeking Wild West vacation. All chalets are beautifully located and offer privacy, stunning views, and hot tubs.
The Couple’s Chalet
The Couple’s Chalet is 1,400 square feet and sleeps up to 4. The master bedroom offers a raised sleeping area with a king-size bed, and a large bathroom with a steam shower and wheelchair access. For additional sleeping space, an alcove is equipped with two Murphy beds suitable for children and adults.
The Ranch House
The Ranch House sleeps up to 14 and is ideal for large families or groups. The exterior features a large yard, a pond, and a treehouse. It is located near the greenhouse, garden, and chicken coop, which will certainly grab the attention of young children.
The Ponds Chalet
The Ponds Chalet is 1,620 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. It accommodates up to six guests. It also offers a sauna. The natural beauty around it is breathtaking. More details about accommodation at Red Reflet Ranch here.
The Main Lodge
The owners live at the main lodge, which they designed themselves. The idea was to take the outside in; that was accomplished beyond imagination with the wall of windows and mirrors, and a huge terrace showing off the natural beauty of the area. This is where the red reflet truly comes to life. The first floor is designed for dining and social gatherings. Owners live on the second floor.
Dining at Red Reflet Wyoming Dude Ranch
Breakfast
At Red Reflet Ranch, breakfast is on your own, but you will have everything to make it happen. The kitchen is stocked with eggs, bacon, pancake mix, cereal, fruit, bagels, bread, maple syrup, jelly, butter, cheeses, juices, coffee, milk, and more. I really like that idea. It gives you the freedom to wake up on your own schedule.
At Red Reflet Ranch you have everything you need to prepare your own breakfast. Photo by Yvonne Jasinski.
Lunch
Lunch is served family-style on the terrace of the main lodge when the weather allows. The first thing you notice is the views and then comes the meal that matches their quality. Fresh fruits and vegetables bring a splash of color to the table. Food is delicious. Alcoholic beverages are also available free of charge.
Lunch with a view at Red Reflet Ranch. Photo by Yvonne Jasinski
Dinner
Dinner is when you notice another touch of France during your Wild West dude ranch vacation. Laurance makes it a celebration, just how French people do. At 6:30 p.m. the social hour starts with drinks, fancy appetizers, and good conversation with the owner and other guests.
The social hours is followed by a sitdown dinner family-style. Almost everything on your table has been grown or raised on the ranch. The food is presented and described by the chef himself, so you know exactly what you are eating and how it was prepared. The presentation and taste are outstanding, something you can expect from a high-end resort rather than the working dude ranch.
Our first dinner was beef, lobster, and a variety of side dishes. Guests are asked before their arrival about their food preferences and restrictions to make sure everyone is happy with their meals.
Desserts
Desserts are simply outstanding at Red Reflet Ranch. This where a French flair is highly visible again. All desserts are made fresh daily. They deliver on taste and presentation.
Beverages
When we arrived at our chalet, we found the fridge not only stocked with food, snacks, and juices but also with good local beer. Additionally, during meals at the lodge, guests will get a wide choice of beverages including a huge selection of wines from around the world and premium spirits bar. You will not go thirsty for sure!
Unlimited Activities for the entire family
Guests have the freedom to create your daily schedule of activities during your dude ranch vacation at Red Reflet. My advice is to try what speaks to you, but do not overdo it. Make sure to leave yourself some room to enjoy your accommodation to take in the views and freshness of the air – the healing power of nature!
ATVs
They are so much fun! Our first ride was guided deep into the red canyons. I could not get over the stunning scenery opening to us with every turn. Any thrill seeker would love flying over the rocks, bumps and hanging to the edge of the mountains.
Later during our dude ranch vacation, we drove around to explore more of the area. We found some extraordinary hiking trail and more of the red rock formations. The ranch owes 30 acres of land for you to discover on foot or wheels.
Ziplining
Certainly, not every Wyoming dude ranch offers this activity. Red Reflet has a very well constructed course of four zip lines starting with a short one for practice and ending with a long one along the cliffs of the resort. This activity can be a bit scary, but you will love it if you are into flying in the air.
Horseback Riding
At this Wyoming dude ranch, guests decide how much they ride during their stay. Unlimited horseback riding is included in the rate. It was only the second time for both of us riding horses so we had a long practice session in the covered arena before we hit the trails. It was a great experience riding and enjoying the scenery.
Shooting
This activity certainly belongs on a Wyoming dude ranch vacation. The shooting range is located in nature against the red cliffs, away from the main lodging. I am sure many people would like to try target shooting, but I was not one of them. I preferred to concentrate on shooting pictures.
Other Activities
The ranch can provide fly fishing lessons, ranch ponds for panfish, and outstanding trout fishing on private ranches nearby. You can also use a tennis court, climbing wall, and fitness center. Mountain bikes and dirt bikes are available free of charge. Other activities include swimming in the pool or the pond, rock-climbing, hiking, volleyball, basketball, cooking with the chef. For those interested in an authentic cattle ranch, assisting with cattle work is available including team penning.
Rates at Red Reflet Ranch
Red Reflet provides only all-inclusive dude ranch vacations. All meals and beverages are included, as well as all activities. Tips for staff are not included. The rates are high, matching the outstanding quality of service and accommodation at the ranch, but if you can afford it, you would love every minute of your stay there.
If you love riding horses, the price becomes more acceptable. Many ranches charge their guests per hour, while at Red Reflet unlimited riding is included. Same with enjoying ATVs – they are yours for the entire stay. I can only imagine how young guest would love that.
Rates are per person so a family vacation at the ranch can be costly, but we are talking the best dude ranch in Wyoming and according to many, the best ranch in America. This is a one of a kind place where you can enjoy your Wild West vacation in luxury and style.
Stunning sunset at the main lodge. Photo by Yvonne Jasinski
Things to Do Near Red Reflet Ranch
Castle Gardens
Castle Gardens will add a lot of fun to your Wild West Vacation. This landscape of cliffs and towers, that resemble the ramparts of a medieval castle, can be enjoyed within a half-hour drive from Red Reflet Ranch. You will find great hiking there among scenic hoodoos, windows, gulches, cliffs, pedestals, and mushroom caps.
Bighorn National Forest
Located in north-central Wyoming, the Bighorn Mountains are a sister mountain range of the Rocky Mountains. Conveniently located halfway between Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park, the Bighorns are a great vacation destination in themselves. Outdoor activities are the major attraction in the area.
Sheridan, Wyoming
Take some time to discover Sheridan during your Wild West vacation, where a cowboy vibe is visible at every corner. It has a strong rodeo culture that has drawn visitors since 1932. On the main street, you will find interesting shops, bars, restaurant, and multiple interesting bronze sculptures, true to the local heritage. Visit Sheridan County Museum, where you can see history of the American West through a Wyoming perspective. You can also visit a brewery or distillery.
Worland, Wyoming
Also easy to reach, Worland is located within the Big Horn Basin and along the Big Horn River in northwestern Wyoming. The Washakie Museum there is the main attraction. It brings the past to life using fascinating exhibits to portray the relationship between the historical people of the Big Horn Basin and their environment.
Contact:
Red Reflet Ranch 10 Lodge Road, Ten Sleep, WY 82442-8853, email: redreflet@gmail.com
phone : 866 766-2340 or 307 366-2340
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cynthia szatkowski says
This looks beautiful! Thank you for sharing another one of your amazing adventures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yvonne Jasinski says
Thank you! What a place, and the food! I wish I could go back one day.